Palmer party's Queensland chief quits, citing preselection process gave 'jobs for the boys'

Dr Alex Douglas has resigned as parliamentary leader of the Palmer United Party in Queensland.

Dr Douglas announced his resignation in a media release on Monday.

He says he also plans to resign from the party.

Dr Douglas claims PUP candidates have been preselected for the next state election without any input from himself or rank-and-file members.

He says endorsing the candidates would be against his principles of openness, accountability and honesty.

"I regret that I have had to take these actions, but I am reliably informed that a list of pre-selected candidates for the Queensland state election will be announced today on the Palmer United Party's website," Dr Douglas's statement said.

"I have had no involvement in the preselection of candidates.

"From my understanding, this process does not reflect principles which I firmly support."

The Gaven MP implied there was a culture of cronyism in the Palmer party, and in the LNP, which he quit in November 2012 to join the PUP.

"I do not support 'jobs for the boys'," he said.

"I publicly stated there was a culture in the LNP, and there still is, of looking after mates and relatives, and that I do not support these flawed ideas.

"The public are crying out for politicians to be open, accountable, honest and are looking for committed community champions to represent them."